# Tumburu

> Tumburu (Zanthoxylum armatum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids (chelerythrine, sanguinarine) have moderate bioavailability but are extensively metabolized hepatically. Essential oil terpenes (limonene, linalool) are well absorbed but undergo rapid first-pass metabolism.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Zanthoxylum armatum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Tumburu |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), Mouthwash

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily; 30-60 mL decoction twice daily; as mouthwash: 5-10 mL diluted and gargled

**Bioavailability:** Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool and related alkylamides are rapidly absorbed from the GI tract with good bioavailability (~40-50%) and exhibit TRPV1 receptor agonism (tingling/numbing sensation). [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) ([chelerythrine](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chelerythrine), [sanguinarine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sanguinarine)) have moderate bioavailability but are extensively metabolized hepatically. Essential oil terpenes ([limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene), [linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool)) are well absorbed but undergo rapid first-pass metabolism.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive support; mouthwash after meals for dental care; morning and evening dosing

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to >10% hydroxy-alpha-sanshool; hydroethanolic extract standardized to >3% total alkylamides by HPLC; >2% total alkaloids

**Shelf Life:** Dried fruits: 12-18 months; Essential oil: 24 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Mouthwash: 18 months

**Storage:** Airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Essential oil in amber glass. Alkylamide content degrades with heat; avoid storage above 30 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, Hydroxy-beta-sanshool, Limonene, Linalool, Chelerythrine, Sanguinarine, Tambulin, beta-Phellandrene

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil
- Hydroethanolic extraction (60-80% ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Aqueous decoction
- Hexane extraction for amide-rich fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- Maricha ([black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/)) - complementary bioenhancer action via different mechanisms
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) - combined alkylamide activity
- [Lavanga](/herb/lavanga/) (clove) - dental/oral care synergy
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([turmeric](/herb/turmeric/)) - anti-inflammatory potentiation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/tumburu/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.